Fire and Protective Services Bylaw updated to align with provincial legislation

At the City Council Regular Business Meeting on November 22, 2023, City Council approved the proposed update to Bylaw No. 7990, The Fire and Protective Services Bylaw, 2001. The amendments enhance the minimum standards for carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to be in alignment with provincial legislation and the National Fire Code. 

CO is an odourless, colourless, tasteless, deadly gas created by burning fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane and oil. Elevated levels of carbon monoxide can cause illness or death before people even know it is there. 

“This update to Bylaw No. 7990 is a preventative measure that will help save lives,” says Assistant Chief Yvonne Raymer. “While a bylaw will help our Fire Inspectors address compliance, our enforcement approach will always prioritize education and collaboration as our primary courses of action.” 

To comply with the amended Bylaw, residents should make sure their smoke and CO alarms are: 

• Installed within five metres (16 feet) of a sleeping room and within rooms where there is a fuel-fired appliance such as a natural gas stove, fireplace, furnace or water heater. 
• Connected to a continuous source of power either from batteries or electricity. 
• Inspected at least every three months for alkaline battery-operated alarms and at least 12 months for lithium and hard-wired alarms. 
• Not tampered with, disconnected or removed. 

For additional information about CO safety, visit saskatoon.ca/carbonmonoxide.